At G20, PM Modi Urges World Leaders to Overcome 'Trust Deficit' Caused by Conflict

Urging world leaders at the G20 Summit to overcome the “trust deficit” caused by conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said this is the time for all the countries to move together with the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’.

Addressing the inaugural session of G20 at Bharat Mandapam here, PM Modi said, “After Covid-19, a huge crisis of lack of trust has come in the world. Conflict has deepened this trust deficit. Just as we can overcome COVID, we can also overcome this crisis of mutual trust.” While the Prime Minister addressed the need to resolve mutual conflicts, he refrained from explicitly mentioning the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

“Today, as the President of the G-20, India invites the entire world to come together and, first and foremost, transform this Global Trust Deficit into global trust and confidence. This is a time for all of us to walk together, and the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas’ can become a guiding light for all of us,” he added.

During the inaugural G20 session, the African Union joined the Group of 20 leading economies at its summit, with host PM Modi saying it turned the often divided bloc into the “people’s G20”.

Before the start of the session, the Prime Minister also expressed grief over the loss of lives due to a massive earthquake in Morocco that killed nearly 300 people. “We pray that all injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time,” he said.

The 18th G20 Summit is being held at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in the national capital on Saturday and Sunday. A Leaders Declaration will be adopted at the conclusion of the New Delhi Summit. India’s G20 Presidency theme is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future’.

During the G20 presidency, India has focused on various issues like inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate resilience, and equitable global health access. By leveraging its presidency, India is fostering collaborative solutions that benefit its own population and contribute to the broader global well-being.

The summit is being attended by over 30 heads of state and top officials from the European Union and invited guest countries and 14 heads of international organisations.